Kentucky Senate committee rejects new spending for parks

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky's GOP-dominated Senate is balking at a request from Republican Gov. Matt Bevin's administration to borrow $50 million in an election year to fix up the state's park system.

House Bill 268, which cleared the House of Representatives last week by a vote of 93-6, would authorize the Cabinet for Tourism, Arts and Heritage to borrow $50 million in the budget year that begins July 1 to pay for such items as new roofs and expanded campgrounds. The bill also pledges to borrow an extra $100 million over the next three years for the same purpose.

But Tuesday, the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee amended the bill to remove all the parks money by a unanimous, bipartisan vote — setting up a potential spending fight with the House of Representatives.

The Kentucky legislature passes a two-year spending plan in even-numbered years. They aren't supposed to authorize new spending in odd-numbered years, except if it is an emergency. That's why any new spending in an odd-numbered year requires a three-fifths majority vote.

Republican Sen. Chris McDaniel, who leads the committee, said he does not see the parks system maintenance problems as "genuine emergencies." He noted lawmakers have been aware of the problems, which is why last year they authorized the Cabinet to borrow up to $20 million to make improvements.

"Certainly, the park system needs some help. It's no secret to anybody who has been there that they are deficient in many areas," McDaniel said. "Appropriations in a short session should be reserved for emergencies: riots, earthquakes, forest fires, things like that where you genuinely have unanticipated expenses."

State budget writers neglected the park system in the tight budget years after the Great Recession, which began around 2008. But state officials have been trying to make repairs ahead of the park system's 100th anniversary in 2024. Since 2016, the state legislature has authorized $38 million in spending — mostly through loans — to make repairs. But state officials say more is needed.

The state has completed 133 improvement projects at various state parks since 2016. A news release from the governor's office says those improvements resulted in an extra $7.6 million in revenue.

"Kentucky State Parks have an estimated annual economic impact of $1 billion, and they enhance the quality of life for all our citizens," Cabinet spokesman John Cox said.

"After many years of neglect, this administration is finally making the necessary investments to restore them to the sparkling gems that they are."

Kentucky is one of three states that will elect governors in 2019, and Bevin is seeking a second term. But McDaniel, the Senate Republican budget chairman, said he cannot be convinced to put the money back in.